The ex-Liverpool striker told The Mirror: "Arsene Wenger should try to sign a genuine A-lister. I would think big and approach Real Madrid for the services of Gareth Bale – if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

"It’s touch and go whether the forward would want to swap the Bernabeu for the Emirates but if Arsenal are serious about climbing back up the table they need to attract a game-changer.

"Yes, he’s an ex-Spurs player but Gunners need to make a statement. What better way to do so than by bringing Bale back to the Premier League?"